Shanda’s Reviews – Page 9 – LDS Women's Book Review

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection – Combined Review

May 062013

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection

Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace

Published: February 1, 2013

Publisher: Mirror Press

Format: ebook

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

Mindy’s Review

This is a very enjoyable book full of six well-written and fun short stories. Each one is very unique, and most importantly, clean romances with awesome characters. I was quickly taken into each story with their fun plots and spring settings. As I was reading each story, I was sure it was my favorite, then I would start the next one, and it became my new favorite. Each story has its share of great kisses. The kiss in Heather Moore’s Picture Perfect… WOW!

5 out of 5 stars. As you finish each story, you will be happily wanting more. I can’t wait for Summer Wedding Collection in May.

Shanda’s Review

The A Timeless Romance Anthology series has proven that a short love story can still be big on romance. I enjoyed each one, amazed at how well each author packed a full story into a smaller page count without making it feel rushed or incomplete.

My favorite was Sarah Eden’s The Best Laid Plans. I’m going to quote my notes directly: “Sigh (big smiley face). Loved it. Maddi & Derek – great couple. Good story. Nice romance.” I agree with Mindy about the kiss in Picture Perfect. I was pleasantly surprised with the little turn the story took in Chasing Tess. It was happily not what I expected.

If you like a good romance, check out A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next installment, A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. I got a sneak peek at Melanie Jacobson’s Love Bytes and, well, I loved it.

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The Duke’s Undoing by G.G. Vandagriff

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 292013

The Duke’s Undoing (Three Rogues and Their Ladies #1)

Author: G.G. Vandagriff

Publisher: Orson Whitney Press

Published Date: April 2012

Paperback/ebook: 202 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

ISBN# 978-0983953678

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: “purchased” a Kindle version when it was free on Amazon

Summary

Meet the Duke of Ruisdell, the unlikely hero of this traditional Regency Romance, after the manner of Georgette Heyer and Candice Hern.

The duke has just returned wounded from the Napoleonic wars. He is weary, cynical, and very bored. Known as the worst rake in England, he finds he has no interest in upholding that distinction, when his friend, the Marquis of Somerset, proposes a bet: “Five thousand guineas says that seducing Miss Elise Edwards will cure your ennui.” Because his friend has just lost a packet to him, he agrees that the bet be posted in White’s famous Betting Book.

The following day, while walking in Green Park, he spies a mysterious young woman, veiled, and obviously grieving. A disembodied voice, sounding strangely like that of his late adjutant, informs him, “The jig is up. That is the girl you are going to marry!” He scoffs, but is nevertheless intrigued by something about the slight figure. He even sketches her and asks if he can be of assistance to her. She declines his offer kindly.

At the opera that evening, he is captivated by a beauty across the Opera Hall. He hears the same voice, saying the same thing. The marquis informs him that the woman in question is Miss Elise Edwards. When he meets her, he recognizes her voice as that of the woman in the park. Now she is surrounded by a surfeit of ex-fiance’s, one of them dangerously unbalanced. Ruisdell discovers an actual bond between them which renders him honor bound to protect her.

Thus begins a train of unstoppable events–dangerous, humorous, devilish, and amorous–that carry his life along at such a pace that the duke soon knows not whether he is on his head or his heels. And then there is that bet . . .

Enjoy this delicious romance that will carry you back to the Regency period in English history, where manners were dictated by strict rules of fashion. It is the Jane Austen era, populated by gentlemen and ladies of leisure. These books are best enjoyed with a box of chocolates, and are guaranteed to enliven any boredom (ennui) that you may be experiencing!

Review

The heroine of The Duke’s Undoing, with her three ex-fiances, her writing of novels under the pen name “A Gentlewoman,” and her unconventional personality, intrigued me from the start. What sounded in the description like an unlikely scenario was presented quite believably by the author.

I really liked both the hero and heroine. The supporting characters were interesting, entertaining, and villainous where applicable. I was pulled into the Regency time period, with descriptions and dialogue that felt authentic and encompassing. There were scenes of fast-paced action intermingled with more sedate, dignified discourses that resemble traditional Austen-like prose. (Didn’t that sound so Regency-ish?)

There were a few unexpected plot twists, some of which made me wonder of the Duke and Elise would ever get their happily-ever-after. The romance, when they were together, was toe-curling but clean. The main characters had some great chemistry that the author effectively portrayed without using graphic description, something I appreciate. It was easy to get caught up in the main characters’ emotions, particularly during one heart-wrenching scene that I don’t want to spoil.

The story slowed for me near the end (about 80% in) but picked back up. I liked the ending but felt like I wanted to know more. What happened later? Did things ever get resolved regarding the Duke’s circumstances? Were they ever able to settle at his palace? Considering that this is Book One of a series, I’m hoping we will get to see glimpses of the Duke and Elise’s future and have those questions answered.

The Duke’s Undoing was an enjoyable read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone who loves a good Regency romance. I look forward to reading about the other two rogues and their ladies.

Content: some innuendo; a few references to breasts; one “curse” word; mild violence (a stabbing, a duel, attempted kidnapping) and references to war experiences

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How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces by Rebecca Rode – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 232013

How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces

Author: Rebeca Rode

Publisher: CFI/Cedar Fort, Inc.

Published Date: March 2013

Softcover: 224 pages

Genre: Parenting/Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-4621-0407-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital PDF review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

How can I have inner peace as a mother when I feel so stressed and scattered? For mothers who feel they are constantly juggling multiple demands, How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces is packed with uplifting stories, poems, quotes, and scriptures that instill fresh perspective on the work of a mother.

Review

Reading How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces was just what I needed this past week/month/15 years. There were so many things I loved and appreciated about this book. If you are a mother or know a mother, finish reading this review, then go right out and buy a copy of this book.

Do you love motherhood? Your answer is probably mixed. Yes, we all enjoy being moms, but man, is it hard! We are stretched to the limit, more maxed-out than a credit card, and weary in body and soul. Ours is the work of angels, but it is work. (page 11)

I love that Rebecca addresses the issue of guilt early on in the book. It’s a serious issue that so many mothers struggle with, myself included. When I get my hands on a hardcopy, “Chapter 2: How to Win When You Just Can’t Win” is going to be the most underlined section of the book, followed closely by the chapter about perfectionism.

Moms have only one supervisor: ourselves. So we make up for that by becoming our own worst critics. We correct and cross-check and second-guess ourselves until we can’t see straight. (page 14)

I loved the visual comparison of the things holding us back to barnacles on a ship. I loved the idea of a “Judgement Free Zone” where there are “No critics allowed.” I loved the spin she put on “How Not to Make Everything Work” in Chapter 12. I loved her conversational, comfortable writing style, like reading an encouraging email from a friend. I loved the examples and quotes from poems, prophets and scriptures shared throughout the book. I loved the The Motherhood Quiz at the end. (After 15 years of mothering, I Aced that thing. Which means I sound a lot more like my mom than I thought.)

Even on the best days, those have-it-all-together days, we still have to admit that perfection is painfully far away. (page 21)

I highly recommend How to Have Peace When You’re Falling to Pieces. I read the book straight through and look forward to going back to read certain sections when I need a boost or a reminder. I’m pretty sure every mother I know can relate to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences Rebecca shares. I don’t usually give star ratings on my LDSWBR reviews, but this one gets 5 stars from me.

Visit Rebecca:

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Fairy Godmothers, Inc. by Jenniffer Wardell – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 222013

Fairy Godmothers, Inc.

Author: Jenniffer Wardell

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Published Date: April 27, 2013

Hardcover: 302 pages

Genre: Fairytale Romance

ISBN# 978-0-9886491-4-9

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received an uncorrected digital proof in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

In a world where fairy tale situations are as much a fact of life as death and taxes, everyone knows hiring Fairy Godmothers, Inc. is the best way to assure that your beautiful daughter or enchanted frog of a grandson will get the happily-ever-after he or she deserves. Sure, sometimes a little love potion is required to make sure those quotas stay up, but what Prince Charming doesn’t know won’t hurt him.

Kate, an experienced Fairy Godmother, who’s enough of a romantic to frustrate her rigidly rule-bound boss, has just received a specialty assignment from one of the company’s board of directors. Cinderella—Rellie for short—was placed with an appropriately wicked stepfamily years before, and now needs the dress, ball, and handsome prince to complete her happily-ever-after. The fact that Rellie isn’t sure this is her dream come true—balls are fun, but princes tend to be less interesting than fluffy bunnies—isn’t something management considers a problem.

Complicating things a bit is Jon, the youngest son of the royal family, who meets Kate, and is smitten, but isn’t quite ready yet to reveal his true identity. After all, it’s his older brother Rupert who’s supposed to marry Rellie, which means pretending to be a lowly civil servant will give him the chance to spend more time with Kate. (As long as he can get the ball arranged, and stop Rupert from getting himself into trouble over his “self-actualization” business, he should have the perfect opportunity to explain everything and get started on making a little magic with the Fairy Godmother of his dreams.)

But, of course, things never ever happen as planned.

Review

Fairy Godmothers, Inc. was such a fun read. I was entertained from the first chapter to the last. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. I loved Jon, Kate, Lawton, and even Rellie by the end. As a romance, I knew Jon and Kate would eventually end up together, but there were a few unexpected twists with other characters I didn’t see coming and I wasn’t sure quite how things would work out until the very end.

I read Fairy Godmothers, Inc. pretty much straight through. (The kids had to eat and I had to sleep, at least for a few hours.) Even though the book is approximately 300 pages long, it moved at a good pace and didn’t seem overly long. I was pulled into the story and thought it was well-written and pretty clean overall. The characters were interesting (Bubbles was effectively intimidating, considering her name), and I cared about what happened to them.

It’s obvious that the author had fun writing this story. A lot of fairytale, a bit of magic, some intrigue and a generous dose of romance all combine to make Fairy Godmothers, Inc. easily one of my favorite reads this year.

Content: There is some mild innuendo; a few side characters consume alcohol but I don’t recall the main characters ever partaking; one mild “curse” word; older teens and adults will probably enjoy this book

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Belonging to Heaven by Gale Sears – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 152013

Belonging to Heaven

Author: Gale Sears

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: April 2013

Hardcover: # of pages unknown

Genre: Historical Religious Fiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-159-2

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

***Scroll down for details on how to enter the Belonging to Heaven Blog Tour Giveaway***

Summary

Descended from the Hawaiian royal line, Jonathan Napela became one of the first—and most influential—converts to the Church in Hawaii. A man of intelligence, social status, and wealth, he used his considerable reputation to further the gospel in his native land. He developed a lifelong bond of brotherhood with Elder George Q. Cannon, helping to translate the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian and establish a gathering place for the Hawaiian saints in Laie, Oahu. But when his beloved wife, Kitty, was stricken with leprosy, Jonathan made the defining decision of his life. He would leave his life of privilege to become her caretaker and spend the rest of his life on Molokai, the island of lepers. To those who suffered similar heartbreak and banishment, Jonathan’s self-sacrifice became their lifeline. Based on a true story, this is an extraordinary novel of a man who chose love in the face of death.

Review

Gale Sears has a passion and talent for historical fiction. I was reminded of this once again while reading Belonging to Heaven. This fictionalized retelling of the history of the LDS Church’s early beginnings in Hawai’i was full of memorable characters, spiritual experiences, and inspirational sacrifices.

I didn’t know much about George Q. Cannon or the events surrounding the early days of the Church in the Hawaiian Islands (then known as the Sandwich Islands). I haven’t seen any of the movies made about those events, either. Reading Belonging to Heaven was not only an education for me, but also revealed a desire to learn more about the efforts of George Q. Cannon and others.

Beyond learning some Church history, I was swept into the story of the early Hawaiian Saints, particularly Jonathan Napela. The author’s portrayal of this dedicated elder and his relationship with George Q. Cannon was moving and memorable. The first part of the book was mostly about “Missionary Cannon” and his work on the islands. The last half of the book, though, was focused on Jonathan Napela and his efforts to continue to build the Kingdom of God on the earth during what would be the most difficult circumstances of his life.

Readers who love history, particularly Church history, will enjoy Belonging to Heaven. It is a book about love, sacrifice, dedication, and faith. I was easily pulled into the story, not because there was a fast-moving plot, but because of how well the characters’ stories were told. I was moved to tears more than once. This story will stay with me for a long time.

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A Blind Eye by Julie Daines – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Apr 092013

A Blind Eye

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: January 2013

Softcover: 176 pages

Genre: YA Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-62108-252-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

Life has dealt Christian Morris one blow too many. After his mother’s untimely death left him in the care of his distant, workaholic father, family life became anything but happy. Now, after eight years of neglect and loneliness, he can’t think of a reason to stay. The promise of a new beginning beckons, and with bags packed, Christian embarks on what he anticipates will be an uneventful road trip to Canada and freedom from his pain. But in a twist of fate, his plans take a drastic detour in the form of a beautiful and frightened girl. Scarlett, a British teenager, suddenly appears in his life and she’s in trouble.

Blind since birth, Scarlett Becket has virtually been abandoned. Following her completion of school, Scarlett’s world is shattered the night she’s abducted from her temporary London flat. Unable to see her kidnappers, she is uncertain as to who they are or why they chose her. What she does know is that in a series of vivid dreams, much like those she has had before, she has foreseen a grisly murder and this time, she’s the victim. Scarlett’s narrow escape and encounter with Christian has provided her a temporary refuge, but it’s only a matter of time before her captors pick up her trail.

Determined to protect Scarlett, whatever the price, Christian embarks on a dangerous course as he fights to keep her alive. And in entering the twisted maze of betrayal and redemption, he quickly realizes that life looks different when you may not live to see tomorrow.

Review

I was intrigued as soon as I read the summary for A Blind Eye. I enjoyed this story about a conflicted young man, a strong-yet-vulnerable young woman with a unique ability, and an interesting storyline that kept me reading.

I really liked both main characters and several secondary characters as well. With a little more page space some of them could have been a bit more fleshed out. Considering the fast-moving plot, that extra character development would have been nice but not necessary and it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.

The conflict between Christian and his father was well-developed and the reader is left with a realistic “resolution” considering their relationship. I loved the way the setting of the story came full circle.

A Blind Eye was a quick, suspense-filled read that adults will enjoy as much as their older teenagers. Though the book doesn’t hit 200 pages, it didn’t feel short or rushed. I believe this is Julie’s debut novel and I can honestly say I look forward to reading more from her.

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